“A Night at the Races” Benefits Children with Physical Impairments
The ATI Foundation will host its Gala “A Night at the Races” on Saturday, November 14 starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. The annual event is the Foundation’s premier fundraiser, and features an evening of derby-themed fun with simulated horse racing, casino games, entertainment, auctions and raffles. Guests are asked to wear derby or cocktail attire to add to the ambience of the evening, and will enjoy a chef-inspired dinner and dessert menu, plus derby-style beverages.
Terry Williams, Director of the ATI Foundation, is excited to be hosting this year’s event at one of Chicago’s most exquisite landmarks. “This year’s gala will be our most dynamic event of the year. Our guests will be treated to an evening of food and fun on beautiful Lake Michigan. Most importantly, support of this event will make a day-to-day impact in the lives of children in need of medical and financial resources, enhancing their quality of life.”
The families of three local children will be honored at this year’s gala as special guests, sharing their inspiring stories and the difference the ATI Foundation has made in their lives.
This year’s honorary beneficiaries
Lee Rivera, Berwyn, IL: Lee is wheelchair-bound due to a genetic disorder known as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which affects his ability to walk, talk and breathe normally. The progressive condition of this disease has required him to be dependent on his family and his wheelchair. The ATI Foundation granted Lee’s family $3,000 toward the construction of a new bedroom and bathroom in his home, to allow him more independence.
Alexandra Toma, Kenosha, WI: Alex was born with a rare condition known as Arthrogryposis, meaning curved (fixed) joints in multiple areas of the body. Alex has limited movement in her arms and jaw, and little to no movement in her legs. The Foundation provided funding to help support Alex and her travels to medical specialists throughout the country that assist with her care.
Madeline Haubert, Plainfield, IL: Maddie was born with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, a rare neurological and skin disorder. Her condition has left her with numerous physical challenges. The ATI Foundation provided Maddie with an adaptive bicycle, allowing her to play and ride a bike for the first time, something that was not thought possible because of her condition.
In 2015, the ATI Foundation has assisted over 25 Chicagoland children, providing financial support for medical expenses, assistive equipment and devices. Through a partnership with Preston’s March for Energy, the Foundation has presented adaptive bicycles to several local children, allowing them to ride a bike for the first time.
Tickets for this year’s gala are $150 per person, or $275 per couple. Table sponsorships are available for $3,000. Tickets include dinner, drinks, entertainment, parking, plus spending “fun money” for the simulated horse racing and casino games. 100% of all proceeds benefit the ATI Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping children with physical impairments in need of medical and financial resources.
To purchase tickets, please visit atigala.com or email Terry Williams at terry.williams@atipt.com.
For information on the ATI Foundation, please visit ATIFoundation.com.